Re: GNAT GPL is not shareware

[David Botton <david@botton.com>]

> But Ada is not GNAT, and the fact that there is also a free version of 
> GNAT available should provide coverage for those in the middle who want 
> something for free. In addition, there are also other compilers 
> available that have other pricing models.

If that free version is not viral yes, and there is one FSF GNAT and this discussion is about community marketing of the FSF GNAT version over the viral shareware one to make sure the very fact you are talking about is known to all.

 
> If the impression is that Ada is available only for open source or high 
> end niche, that is a false impression.

Correct and why marketing in public forums the versions that advocate Ada across a broader spectrum (including mention when beneficial of other options) is important.


> Changing licenses of GNAT-GPL to 
> address a false impression doesn't make sense to me.

I agree with you. There is no reason AdaCore should not "showcase" their product and if they want a shareware model that is their business.

What is needed is for the community to "showcase" a GNAT-Community edition that clearly shows Ada is viable for all potential markets.

My business proposal was for an AdaCore business edition to fill in the middle market. If they felt that made no business sense to them that is acceptable to me. 

However for good Ada advocacy there needs to be something to fill in the gaps, there is as AdaCore pointed out FSF GNAT.

So I am going to go with AdaCore's own advice to me. That FSF GNAT fulfills that position.

I as an Ada advocate then am pushing for the community to start "showcasing" that "Community" edition and to make sure that a viral edition is never mistaken as being "what is available for that middle position".

> It would make more 
> sense to do a better job of propagating a better impression based on fact.

That is exactly what I am advocating we do and already working on. GetAdaNow.com is the first step, i.e. making peoples first encounter with Ada compilers _not_ a viral edition. Next step is making that encounter a super positive one.

> Are there websites propagating this false impression that need to be 
> corrected?

"False statements" /= "False impressions", "False impressions" /= "False statements"

Impressions are almost always based on careful choice of truths that are marketed.

I've pointed out in previous post "scare tactic" statements from the libre site and other posts and sites.

So, I hope you have some projects for this year to promote Ada, I'll start that thread asap. Be nice for people to start posting what there "Ada Advocacy for 2015" will be.



David Botton